October marks mental health awareness in Cape Town and worldwide. For more than three decades, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has provided a safe, uplifting space for people to talk openly about their mental health, free from stigma or fear.
Since its launch in 1994, the festival,hosted by mental health care organisation Cape Mental Health (CMH),has united artists, ambassadors, mental health care users, volunteers, and supporters. Participants share stories of struggle, healing, and hope, helping to break down barriers and build a more compassionate community.
The festival takes place at the Youngsfield Military Base in Wynberg on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October.
Connecting to global mental health conversations
The event follows World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on Friday 10 October. This year, the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) focuses on “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
In South Africa, the South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) highlights the theme: “Addressing Violence as a Significant Challenge to Mental Health.”
Violence as a daily catastrophe
CMH warns that persistent violence in Cape Town acts as a daily catastrophe with long-term mental health consequences. Ongoing gang conflicts, gender-based violence, alcohol and drug-related crimes, and taxi wars contribute to widespread trauma.
“Despite more than 30 years of democracy, violent crime remains widespread, leaving communities trapped in cycles of trauma and fear,” CMH said in a statement.
Exposure to violence erodes mental health, causing anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and strained relationships. Children and young people exposed to trauma are especially vulnerable, often facing emotional and behavioural challenges that affect education and future wellbeing.
Limited access to care
According to WFMH, one in five people exposed to catastrophes develop a diagnosable mental health condition. Yet access to quality care remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa.
CMH calls the violence crisis both a social and mental health emergency but stresses that it is preventable.
“Violence in South Africa is not inevitable. It is a result of complex social, economic, and systemic failures that can be addressed through coordinated prevention, better crime intervention, and stronger investment in mental health services,” the organisation said.
Greater access to psychosocial support, trauma counselling, and community-based mental health care can help survivors rebuild their lives and reduce long-term impacts.
A message from CMH CEO
For Professor Ingrid Daniels, chief executive officer of CMH, this year’s WMHD offers a crucial opportunity to highlight the catastrophe of violence on South Africans’ wellbeing.
“World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk about the current situation. It calls for urgent multi-sectoral responses and solutions. Most of all, it urges those affected to seek assistance and access mental health support.”
She added a powerful reminder:
“Trauma is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility. Life gets better when we prioritise mental health.”
